Dain's voice cuts through the air and there's a fist heading for his face - Lorne blocks it, keeps his arms up until the soldier is dragged away, and then allows himself a moment to catch his breath. Tuo is unsteady and still bleeding, but out of immediate danger. The accusation leveled at him is technically truth; Lorne did strike two of them, and he knew the possible consequences when he did it. Now that Dain is here, he's less sure of what his fate will be and whether he can hope for the shepherd's mercy.

"Shepherd Dain," Lorne begins, inclining his head in respectful acknowledgement. "I readily admit to hitting these men. Assaulting someone unprovoked and who is unarmed is also a crime, and my actions were in response to that, acting as a member of the Watch." He speaks with as much neutrality in his tone as he can manage, neither deflecting responsibility nor cowing to the threat of execution. Though, he can't help but add: "Soldiers attempting to bribe a member of the Watch is also a poor reflection on their Duke's reputation, if not a further crime."

He bows his head towards Dain. "I submit to your judgement on the matter."